DUS Alumni Profile: Audrey Xintaropoulos - Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS)

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Audrey Xintaropoulos

When did you enter DUS?: Freshman year.
How many semesters did you spend in DUS?: Four.
Why did you choose DUS?: I actually switched from the College of Science to DUS during my freshman orientation session the summer before freshman year. I hadn't learned of the Division's existance until then.
What resources did you use in your exploratory and decision-making process?: All of the DUS faculty were excellent in establishing a comfortable and friendly environment in which I could explore interests, particularly my adviser Dr. Judith Goetz. I visited many departments, participated in undergraduate research in biobehavioral health (didn't exist as a major back then), and inquiring about many programs suggested by several DUS staff members.
Did DUS benefit you? If so, how?: Tremendously! Not only in exploration of academic interests, but in self-discovery as well. DUS encouraged me to be creative in combining interests and it resulted in meaningful work/life activities. The student has more choice and power to shape their future than other colleges let on!

What major(s) (and minor(s), if applicable) did you end up choosing?: Biology with a minor in Psychology
What year did you graduate?: 1995
What extracurricular activities made a difference in your college experience?: Penn State Best Buddies peaked my interest in occupational therapy and developmental disabilities. The DUS Student Council and Academic Assembly were important for learning organizational skills needed in any career, but especially in dealing with health care administration and teamwork (needed in my current field). The importance of community service was conveyed to be via the Golden Key organization. Finally, being a part of the Absolute NRG Hip Hop Dance Troupe and various other dance troupes off campus was important to me.
Looking back, would you have done anything differently during your time at Penn State?: Sometimes I wish I had learned of occupational therapy earlier. There was no major at Penn State for that, however. Most days, though, I feel I wouldn't want anything to change because of the awesome wealth of experiences I had there.

What jobs have you held since graduation?

What is your current occupation?

Occupational Therapist specializing in geriatric orthopedic and neurological injury in home health, acute rehab and long-term care settings

Profile Last Updated: November 6, 2001